Classification and purpose of jigsaw files. Jigsaw files: choose a blade for specific tasks Jigsaw file dimensions

There is a jigsaw not only in every workshop, but, perhaps, in every home. This tool has gained such popularity due to its versatility and compactness. With it, you can cut various sheet materials: wood of any species (from the softest to very hard); sheet metal; plastic; glass and ceramics, etc.

To work with one or another material, you need to choose the right saw blade (more often called simply “sawing”), since the quality, cutting speed and, in general, the ability to work depend on it. This will be discussed in this article.

Each file has its own unique parameters, the combination of which determines the material that can be cut with it, as well as other cutting characteristics: the quality and speed of the saw. In addition, each file has design features, allowing you to use it with one or another . a separate article is devoted, but the choice of the “right” file will be discussed in this article.

Parameters of saw blades for electric jigsaw

First you need to decide on the list of saw blade parameters that need to be taken into account. So this is:

Blade attachment standard (shank shape);
Dimensions (length, width, thickness);
Geometric parameters of the teeth;
Purpose (by type of processed material).

Let's analyze these parameters in more detail.

Blade attachment standard (shank shape)

To determine the standard for fastening the saw blade to, you need to look in the passport of your power tool - it should be indicated there. Although quite often several files are included with the kit, and looking at them, you can understand the type of shank that suits you.

Below are the main types of shank found in our time.

T-shaped
U-shaped
Shank for Makita
Shank for Bosch

The T-shank type is the most common type at present. This decision turned out to be the most successful and was “adopted” by a large number of manufacturers of power tools. This type is often called Boshevsky, because it was Bosch who first offered this type of saw blade attachment to the market. In the future, other manufacturers began to support this type of shank. These companies include:

Bosch,
Makita,
metabo,
hitachi,
skil,
dewalt,
Sparky

other.

Shank having U shape, is considered an American standard, however, it can be considered obsolete, since it is almost never used now, although earlier this type of shank was used on jigsaws with screw and shoe clamps from famous manufacturers:

ryobi,
stayer,
black & decker,
skil,
dewalt,

This is Makita's proprietary type of shank. Such files are distinguished by their reliability and strong base. This blade can now also be attributed to obsolete and is suitable only for some Makita electric jigsaws. In this regard, when changing the canvas, it may be difficult to buy it, since the demand for them is now very low, it will be difficult to find such files in the store.

This type of shank is very similar to the T-shank, but unlike it, it is proprietary to Bosch, and therefore only suitable for jigsaw models from this manufacturer. This type fasteners can also be attributed to obsolete, respectively, it is very difficult to find it on sale.

findings

So, to summarize, it becomes clear that the T-shaped shank type is now some common standard and it has replaced all other modifications that used to take place. Thus, this greatly simplifies the task for us (consumers) - the choice is large and you should not think too much about shanks, although it is also necessary to know that theoretically I can get caught and non-standard options.

Saw blade dimensions

Like any object in Euclidean space, a file has three geometric quantities: length, width and thickness. Each of these parameters is important and affects the result of the work in its own way. Now more about this.

Length

The parameter is clear and understandable - the longer the file, the greater the thickness of the sawn workpiece can be. The range of lengths of saw blades for electric jigsaws is very large - from 40 mm to 250 mm. It would seem - you need to take the longest file and we will not lose. Yes, a long file is good, as it is an opportunity to cut thick workpieces, but there are a number of points.

you have to pay for excess length, the longer the file, the more expensive; It is obvious;
when sawing workpieces different thickness there will be uneven wear of the saw blade, respectively, the wear of the teeth at the base will be higher than at the end of the saw blade.
files bend, and it is much easier to bend a long file than a short one;
there are times when the excessive length of the file simply interferes with sawing, for example, it rests on something, while short file would pass without a problem.

It is important to pay attention to an important point - for sawing thick workpieces, you need not only a long file - you need enough power of the jigsaw to cope with the load. If this factor is not taken into account, then you can simply ruin the tool - the jigsaw can simply “burn out”.

Width

For an even saw (in a straight line), wide files are more suitable, since due to their width they do not allow the cut to be taken to the side. Accordingly, the wider the file, the more even cut it can give. With narrow files, the situation is reversed - they are used where you need to make a figured or radius cut, respectively, the narrower the file, the greater the curvature of the cut can be.

Thickness

And the last, but not least, parameter is the thickness of the file. The thicker the canvas, the stronger the file, respectively, the more resistant it is to the applied efforts and it will not “take away” to the side. It would seem - the conclusion is obvious - we take the thickest files, however, as in the case of length, a number of circumstances must be pointed out. The thicker the file, the greater the width of the cut, which means:

more effort will have to be made
sawing time will be longer,
the heating of the workpiece will be more,
more material consumption.

In addition, it should be mentioned that not all thick files are suitable for a quick-clamping mechanism.

findings

As always, there is no one universal solution for all occasions. Every time you need to support such a file that is right at the moment, for this task, and, of course, for your tool. Probably, you should not run to the store every time and select saw blades, but simply have a set of the most commonly used saw blade options.

Geometrical parameters of the teeth

Geometry plays a big role cutting edge and tooth alignment. This affects the speed and quality of the cut. Obviously, the wider the set teeth in different sides, the wider the cut will be, and due to the fact that the blade itself does not rub against the edges of the cut, there is less resistance, less heating and more cutting speed. Of course, the flip side of these advantages will be poor quality saw, as well as the difficulty of making an even cut due to the “withdrawal” of the file to the side (since the blade is not fixed in the plane of the saw). There are several varieties of cutting edge geometry:

Each of these types of geometries has its own characteristics. Let's consider them in more detail.

This type of geometry is used in simple hand saws and consists in the fact that the teeth are alternately bred to the left and to the right. It is clear that in this case the blade practically does not rub against the walls of the saw, sawing is easy and fast, but in this case it is not necessary to talk about the quality of the cut and evenness. This type of wiring is quite popular, as it is easy to manufacture and has its undeniable advantages.

For saw blades with this form of wiring, the cutting edge has the shape of a wave, and several teeth fall into one half-wave, and each of them has a different deviation from the central axis. This type of wiring gives a clean cut, so it is mainly used when sawing hardwood, metal, etc.

As in the case of the “Milled with classic setting” option, the teeth are alternately set in different directions, but at the same time they undergo an additional processing process - grinding. In this case, the cut is much cleaner, but the speed of work is maintained. This type of wiring is used for sawing, VDP, MDF, etc.

With this option, the teeth are almost not set, but their special sharpening and grinding is performed. When sawing with such blades, a very clean and even cut is obtained, but, accordingly, the speed of work suffers and it is required more revolutions (speed of the saw blade) of the tool.

Purpose

From the very beginning, jigsaws were used exclusively for, but over time, the versatility of this tool has significantly expanded the boundaries of its application. Thus, at the moment it is possible to cut almost any sheet material - this is wood of various species and densities, metal, glass, ceramics, various glued and pressed boards (fibreboard, MDF, etc.). Manufacturers of saw blades, when developing specific models of saw blades, determine its purpose by the type of material being cut, respectively, the whole variety of saw blades for electric jigsaw can be divided into the following groups:

for wood and wood boards;
for metal;
for polymer materials and plastics;
special purpose.

Let us analyze in more detail each group of this classification.

Saw blades for wood and wood boards

Sawing wood is the main purpose of a jigsaw, so wood sawing is the biggest variety. This is dictated by a wide variety of types of wood and various boards derived from it (, fiberboard, etc.).

All wood saws are divided into several categories:

for fast cutting
for a clean cut;
for curly cut;
for a "deaf" cut.

Saw blades for fast wood cutting

Quite often, you need to quickly saw off the workpiece and the quality and cleanliness of the cut is absolutely not important. In this case, special files are used, which have some distinctive features:

long length;
large, large teeth;
large tooth set

Files for a clean cut of wood

In the manufacture of furniture, cutting parquet board and in other cases, a high-quality and clean cut is required. For this, special files are used, which can be recognized by the following distinctive features:

average tooth size;
there is no or very little tooth setting.

Usually the teeth are directed towards the jigsaw. This is done so that the main cutting movement occurs at the moment the file is retracted (movement of the file to the jigsaw), while the master does not experience much effort when sawing. The disadvantage of this principle is that the chips from the file are obtained on the side that is visible to the master - where the marking line is. But sometimes it happens that you need to do the opposite, so that the front side of the cut (without chips) is exactly on top. In this case, special files with teeth are used, which are directed from the jigsaw. Peeling with such files is accompanied by increased efforts of the master, who must overcome the force of pushing the file with a jigsaw.

Files for figured cutting of wood

An electric jigsaw is a universal tool - it allows you to perform a figured cut, that is, with small radii of curvature, and in some cases it is even possible to “turn around on the spot” (make the saw not smooth, but at an angle). For such a cut, special files are again needed - they are easy to recognize - they have:

narrow canvas
small length
fine teeth

Files for "blind" cutting of wood

A cut is called a blind cut when the size of the maximum overhang of the file is less than the thickness of the workpiece.

This topic is quite controversial and there are many opinions on this matter. However, let's state our position. Deaf saw is possible and has a place to be. But you need to understand a number of points:

The file must have a special shape;
The load on the jigsaw increases many times;

The file should have a special shape of the last tooth and the tip of the file, as shown in the picture.

With a blind cut, the entire saw blade is involved - this is the maximum load for it and the load on the jigsaw itself. In addition, the cut is made in such a way that the last millimeter (or two) of the wood is simply crushed, so there are shock loads on the holder at the moment of maximum sawing out. Thus, it is not recommended to perform a blind cut on hard woods, respectively, on soft woods - for example, but the master must understand that tool wear at this moment increases many times over and the probability of breakage is very high.

Files for metal

The main work on sawing metal is performed by a grinder, but sometimes you need to make a figured or radius cut. In such cases, a jigsaw with a special file will help. You can cut both steel blanks and non-ferrous metals. Metal is much denser than wood, so when working with metal, you need to understand that the jigsaw works under heavy load and you need to load it wisely.

Metal files are usually made of durable alloys and have fine teeth with a wave winding (see above).

The electric jigsaw easily copes with sawing various types of polymeric materials, plastics, plexiglass, etc. There are specialized files for sawing these materials, although in practice wood or metal saws are usually used. A simple rule of thumb is that the denser the material, the finer the saw tooth should be, so for most plastics, simple wood saws are suitable. It must be remembered that sawdust from plastic begins to melt at high temperatures, in which case the saw teeth become clogged with melted plastic and lose their sawing properties. Therefore, it is important to monitor the temperature of the file and not overheat it, respectively, you need to cut at low speeds and regularly allow the file to cool.

There are various situations when it is necessary to cut various exotic materials that are not typical for sawing with an electric jigsaw - glass, ceramics, etc. There are special-purpose files for these purposes. They are rare and unique, nevertheless, they still find their place among the masters involved in working with these materials.

saw blade manufacturers in without fail they are marked so that users can navigate the parameters and purpose of the proposed saw blades. There are various classifiers, but at the moment the Bosch standard, which is the flagship in this topic, has become the most popular.

The main marking is usually carried out on the shank, and additional information is indicated on the saw plane.

Basic marking

Position in code	Description	Values
First character (letter)	Shank type	"T" - T-shank type "U" - U-shank type "M" - "Makita" shank
Second character (number)	File length	"1" - short (up to 75 mm) "2" - standard (75-90 mm) "3" - extended (90-150 mm) "7" - long (more than 150 mm)
Third and fourth character (numbers)	Purpose of the file	/no information/
Fourth character (letter)	Tooth size	"A" - small (metal, laminate) "B" - medium (wood, fiberboard, MDF, etc.) "C" and "D" - large (quick cut)
Fifth character (letter)	Additional Information	"F" - a bimetallic blade (considered the most durable and durable) "O" - a narrow blade (for a figured cut) "P" - a thick blade (allows sawing strictly perpendicular to the surface) "R" - with a reverse tooth "X" - with a variable tooth size (universal blade suitable for cutting all materials)

The color of the shank can also tell the master about the purpose of this file:

Additional information on the saw plane

On the neck of the file (between the shank and the saw plane) there is a marking of the type of material from which the file is made.

Marking	Material
CV	Chrome vanadium steel (for wood and wood-based panels)
HCS	High carbon steel (for wood and wood-based panels, as well as plastic),
HSS	High speed steel (for ferrous and non-ferrous metals)
HM	Carbide based on tungsten carbide (for ceramics, fiberglass, etc.)
BM(BIM or Bi-Metal)	Highly elastic combination of HSS and HCS (professional saw blades for wood and metal)

Purpose of the file:

Marking	Purpose
Wood	For softwood and fiber boards
Hardwood	For hardwood and laminated panels
Inox	For stainless steel
Alu	For aluminum
metal	For sheet metal, metal profiles and pipes
Fiber&Plaster	For fiberglass
soft-material	For soft materials (rubber, foam, cardboard, etc.)
Acrylic	For polycarbonate and plexiglass

Clarifying information defining the type of work:

Marking	Type of work
Basic	Standard blades for quality cuts
Speed	Blades for fast cutting
clean	Blades for a clean cut (no setting)
Progressor	Universal files with variable tooth size
flexible	Waved blades for metal cutting
Special	Files for cutting ceramics, plastics and other highly specialized work

29.08.2019

An electric jigsaw can be called a universal tool that allows you to make straight and figured cuts of a wide variety of materials - from soft wood to steel and glass. It is worth noting that the tool itself is universal, but not its equipment: the cut of each material is realized using a specific type of blade. However, in order to choose the right file, you need to find out what criteria to use during the selection. In this article, we will talk about what blades for an electric jigsaw are, what types of files for electric jigsaws are, and how to insert a file into an electric jigsaw.

Jigsaw files types and features

If you walk into a store and say you need jigsaw saws, the salesperson will show you a variety of various options. They come in different lengths, widths and thicknesses, have different tooth sizes and shank types.

Jigsaw files, based on the material being processed, are classified into:

saw blade for electric jigsaw for metal. These blades are made from high speed steel. They can cut different types of metals, including aluminum and non-ferrous metals.
jigsaw file for wood. These files are most often created from high carbon or chrome vanadium steel. They are designed to work with soft woods and wood-based panels.
files for glass and ceramics. These blades are made of tungsten carbide alloy, which has high strength. You need to purchase such a canvas if you need to implement a large amount of work using a manual jigsaw, for example, with ceramic tiles
universal saws. They are made from high speed steel for sawing wood, metal and plastic materials.

According to the type of operations performed, the files are divided into two categories:

for a straight cut. These blades have a wide back, which makes it possible to guide it in a specific direction to obtain a straight cut.
for curly cut. In such canvases, the back is narrower than the shank, as a result of which they are easy to direct in different directions. It turns out a smooth curly cut.

If you look closely at jigsaw files, you can see that they have different size tooth setting and cutting edge geometry. Not only the cleanliness of the cut depends on the type of wiring, but also what material such a file can be used to work with. Allocate:

milled with classic wiring. Classic wiring is teeth alternately bent in different directions, by analogy with a hand saw. This type of setting reduces the heating of the saw blade during sawing, because the saw blade experiences virtually no friction in a fairly wide cut. However, a neat cut cannot be obtained, but a high cutting speed is achieved. Such files cut different types of wood, plastic and non-ferrous metals
milled with wavy wiring. In such a file, the teeth are directed in groups of several pieces. It is noteworthy that each tooth has a different amount of deviation from the central axis with its nearest neighbors. The working edge of the saw blade resembles a wave. The use of such a blade helps to make a clean cut on wood, chipboard or plywood, as well as on non-ferrous metal and plastic
polished with classic wiring. The teeth of these canvases are set apart and polished. The cut with such files is quite wide. Such canvases help to quickly and quite cleanly cut wood and its derivatives - chipboard, fiberboard
with conical grinding without setting. The blades of such files do not have teeth divorce, however, their segments are ground, as a result of which a thin cut line and an even cut are achieved. With the help of such files, you can accurately cut wood, laminate, as well as polymeric materials.

The most significant parameter for a file is the steel grade from which it is made. The blades are marked with the following:

Main Features

However, the high quality of steel is not a guarantee that it will cope with the tasks. Also play an important role:

workpiece dimensions. Before buying, you need to decide on the size of the sawn blanks. For a bar with a section of 50X50mm and furniture board it is worth using different files. For timber, files with working part sizes from 51 to 126 mm are suitable. While short blades (51mm) are needed for cutting sheet metal, long blades (106mm) are more suitable for cutting pipes.
cut type. An important criterion for choosing a saw blade is the cutting geometry. The blade for a straight cut holds the direction perfectly, but it will not work to create even a small radius with it, because it has a wide back. For such work, a special thin FILE for a figured cut is excellent.
cut cleanliness. The quality of the cut plays a very important role in the process of creating furniture.
tooth shape. The cut quality index directly depends on the geometry of the tooth. The larger the pitch of the teeth, that is, the gap between adjacent vertices, the faster and rougher the line will turn out.
tooth alignment. To give the canvas more "space", its teeth need to be parted. In this case, it will cut at a higher speed, but the cutting line will not be very accurate.
files progressor. Changing tooth size from shank to tip is a sign of versatility. With an increase in the thickness of the material being processed, a greater number of large teeth are connected to work.

Shank types

An important parameter in choosing a saw blade for a jigsaw can be called the type of its shank. There are such tails:

Fastening saw blades

The accuracy of the device and the level of its performance directly depend on the features listed above. However, there are other factors on which the convenience of working with a jigsaw depends. In the process of working with an electric jigsaw, each master is faced with replacing the saw blade. The most common shank type is European or Bosch. It has a cross configuration. Such canvases can be bought in every store, this is their main feature.

Most often there are such methods of fastening the canvas:

front fastening in electric jigsaw
quick-clamping fastening in an electric jigsaw.

In more budget options, the block, tightened with two screws, clamps the web with a cut. These screws are in the frontal plane. This system has high compatibility, but is inferior in other respects. For example, crooked fasteners can cause misalignment. If this happens, you need to carry out additional wedging. The impact of the saw on the workpiece with the butt end causes the front shoe to break in half or the threads of the screws to be stripped. Such problems can arise from illiterate handling of the tool.

The most convenient are electric jigsaws equipped with a system of quick-clamping fastening of the blade.

The essential difference from “regular cartridges” is that there is no versatility. Only blades with the same shank are suitable, in addition there is a backlash. However, often this does not play a big role, because the choice of paintings is simply huge. because there are so many paintings. The disadvantage of quick-release locks is the limited thickness of the blades. Inserting the canvas in such jigsaws is quite easy.

Fastening the blade in electric jigsaws with the method of fastening on locks implies the following sequence of work:

open the protective screen of the device
turn the lever located on the rod to insert the web
after lowering the lever, you need to smoothly move the file into the clamp. However, it is worth considering that the file must have a thickness corresponding to the slot.

In order to insert the canvas into the device with a screw fastening system, you need to do the following:

An electric jigsaw is a very popular tool and is available to almost every craftsman. Currently, a large number of jigsaw blades are being made that can easily handle not only wood, but also many other materials. In order to figure out what kind of jigsaw files exist, consider this issue in more detail. There are universal jigsaw files, but with the help of such blades it is impossible to perform any type of work with high quality. They are rather intended for rough work, in which the quality of the work performed is not of great importance. Therefore, for narrowly focused activities, you will have to choose a canvas that meets your requirements. Cloths differ not only in characteristics, but also in appearance. There are saws for wood, saws for metal, as well as for drywall, ceramics and so on. When choosing a canvas important criterion is the tooth pitch. In Russia, it is customary to consider the gap between the tops of the teeth, which is denoted by the letter t, as a step. In a number of other countries, the pitch is the number of teeth per inch of blade, which is abbreviated as TPI. Therefore, when choosing a step, you should pay attention to the markings (inscriptions on the side) and only after that draw conclusions. In addition to the pitch, the width of the file is an important criterion. Width affects the speed and quality of the cut. When sawing complex lines, it is worth choosing narrow blades that are much easier to control and create different cut lines. It is desirable that five to eight teeth are involved in the operation of the jigsaw. Otherwise, the jigsaw will vibrate and create a crooked and rough seam. When choosing a blade for a jigsaw, you should pay attention to the material of manufacture. You can find out this information from the inscription on the jigsaw file.

Types of web markings

Consider the types of markings indicating the material of manufacture of the web:

HSS. Means that the file is made of hardened steel, which can be operated at high speeds. These blades are widely used for cutting durable surfaces, including metals of various densities. Despite the impressive rigidity, steel files often break, so they must be operated with special care.
HIM. A canvas with such an inscription is used for cutting tiles and tiles, as they have a high margin of safety.
HCS. Such a tool is suitable for working with wood. Manufactured from high carbon steel, it is highly resilient. Suitable for all wood products.
BIM. Cloths made of bimetallic alloy have absorbed all the best from the above models. It combines both strength and elasticity. Thanks to these technical characteristics, the blade can cut not only wood, but also a metal product.

Not only the inscription, but also its color can tell about the purpose of the canvas:

white color of the blade - for cutting wood and metal products,
gray color - for sawing wood and various products made of wood,
blue color - designed exclusively for cutting metal structures,
black color indicates that the file is intended for special materials(tile, stone).

In addition, there are many more markings for files:

the first digit "1" means a short length of the canvas up to 7.5 centimeters;
the first digit "2" means the average length of the canvas from 7.5 to nine centimeters;
the first number "3" means that the canvas is nine to fifteen centimeters long;
the first digit "7" means a very long file length of more than fifteen centimeters;
The letters (A,B,C,D) after the numbers indicate the size of the teeth.

Wood saw marking

Wood saws are marked as follows:

T101B is a short blade with small teeth that provides a smooth and neat seam.
The T101BR has a back tooth and is suitable for cutting materials with decorative surface. Such materials include laminate. The peculiarity of this canvas helps to avoid unwanted chips.
The T301CD is designed to work with material up to 6.5 centimeters thick.
T101AO file is designed for curly cutting.
T101BIF is a bimetal blade. It is used for cutting materials up to fifteen centimeters thick.
T101BRF bi-metal reverse toothed blade.
T144DP is a coarse toothed blade designed for fast and coarse sawing.

Marking for saw blades for metal is as follows:

T118A fine-tooth saw blade for precise sawing of small structures.
T318A is designed for cutting metal pipes with a diameter of up to 6.5 centimeters.
T118G is a blade for cutting very thin metal plates.

Special files can be distinguished by the following markings:

T118AHM stainless steel thin work blade,
T301CHM blade for fiberglass up to 6.5 cm thick,
T141HM blade for precise cutting of drywall,
T101A organic glass cutting blade,
T313AW blade for cutting cardboard and rubber up to 5 cm thick,
T150Riff is a specially designed blade that allows you to cut tiles and tiles.

Jigsaw blade for wood

Wood sawing allows you to work with plywood, soft and hard wood, parquet, laminate and many types of boards. A jigsaw file for wood has a very important feature. The fact is that she has a large step between the teeth. The distance can be up to four millimeters. When compared with other types of canvases, the difference is noticeable to the naked eye. Wood sawing can also be different. They differ from each other in the working length of the tooth and the pitch. Such differences allow you to ideally choose a canvas for a particular type of wood. In connection with such a variety, the question arises of how to choose a blade for a wood jigsaw. In this case, you need to prioritize, since the canvases are divided into two main categories: a quick cut and an even seam. The larger the teeth of the blade, the faster the wood can be sawn, but this may not result in a neat seam. Therefore, you will have to sacrifice something or choose the golden mean. If cutting speed is a priority, then for such purposes you can purchase a blade marked T101D. With it, you can quickly cut wood up to eight centimeters thick. For thicker blanks, wood sheets with the inscription T244D or T344D are suitable. For finer work and a neat seam, the T101B model is suitable. This model is often used in furniture factories for the implementation of clean. Using such a canvas, the cut is smooth and without nicks. With it, you can cut even thick wood, but it will take a very long time. When cutting a laminate or parquet, the presence of chips, torn seams or notches is unacceptable. The seam should be perfectly even, without visible defects. You can do this work with a wood file with a reverse tooth. In extreme cases, you can use T101B, but before that, paste over the cut with tape or tape. This precaution is necessary to avoid chipping the decorative surface.

Metal file

To cut metal products, you will need an electric jigsaw and a dense canvas. The density of the blade must be higher than the density of the material being cut. But the whole problem is that dense materials crack and break very quickly. Therefore, bimetallic blades are used for cutting metal. Due to their strength and elasticity, they easily cope with the task and do not break after the first use.

Jigsaw file for working with tiles

A tile or tile file looks very recognizable. It is simply impossible to confuse it with other canvases. The fact is that this file is completely devoid of teeth. Instead of the usual teeth, the blade has a tungsten carbide coating that cuts tiles and other stone surfaces well.

Files for a figured cut

Jigsaw files for curly cutting are easily recognizable by the presence of fine teeth. Such canvases are specially produced very narrow. This is done so that the canvas can easily pass through any turns and at the same time not bite into the wood. Jigsaw blades for curly wood cutting can be recognized not only by outward signs, but also according to the applied marking. On such canvases, the marking always begins with the letter "O".

Jigsaw blade manufacturers

When choosing a file, it is necessary to pay attention to a number of indicators, while the manufacturing company is of great importance. On the shelves of stores there is a huge number of products from Russian, Chinese and European manufacturers. With such a large selection, sometimes the question arises of how to choose a file for an electric jigsaw. The most attractive in terms of cost are canvases from Chinese manufacturers. The cost of such files is almost two times lower than that of European manufacturers. All this is very attractive, but there is one problem. Canvases from China are not of good quality. They constantly grind, overheat and burst. Therefore, it will be cheaper to buy a quality canvas once and use it for a long time.

Jigsaw equipment

Most manufacturers are constantly working on improving their tools and developing additional equipment for their device. Among these additions, one can note a system that helps to avoid chips on the upper surface of the material. This issue is especially relevant when cutting materials with a decorative surface (laminate, parquet, facing board). Also a very useful addition is a circular cutter and parallel stop. Thanks to the parallel stop, you can cut without much effort unlimited quantity one size rails. The circular cutter allows you to cut a perfect circle of various radii. Having such devices in your arsenal, you can carry out a wider range of work and at the same time significantly save time.

Installing the blade in the jigsaw

The file is installed in a special slot and securely fastened with clamps. There are a huge number of jigsaws on the market, while some manufacturers make certain features in the fastening mechanism. But in most cases, the installation of the canvas occurs according to the standard scheme.

The jigsaw is equipped with a special lever that loosens the clamps with one movement and allows you to remove the blade without any problems.
After the clamps are loosened, you need to take the file and insert its tail into a special hole.
Now the final step remains, which includes clamping the adjusting screw.
After everything is installed, you need to make sure that the canvas is installed securely and evenly.
Let's get to work.

Types of blade tails

Cruciform tail or there is another name T-shaped. This name was obtained due to the visual similarity with the letter "T". With this type of ponytail, there are a wide variety of canvases, ranging from canvases for wood to tile files. The U-tail also got its name from its shape. Highly rare view canvases, which only fits the American instrument. In addition, there are conical and submersible tails, but it makes practically no sense to consider them, since in Russia the predominant part of the market was occupied by canvases with a “T” shaped tail. The remaining models are practically not used, as there is no suitable tool. Any type of ponytail is securely fastened in an electric jigsaw suitable for it. Therefore, the difference lies solely in the form.

Manual and electric jigsaws have long "taken root" among home craftsmen. These are very useful devices that will allow you to accurately and accurately cut almost any material of various thicknesses and configurations. But before proceeding with the work, it is necessary that the jigsaw file is correctly selected. However, it is quite difficult to make the right decision right away. This is due not only to a large selection, but also to a huge number of types of canvas.

Some general information

If you have a jigsaw and no files, then this is a useless tool. If you have a whole set of files, then you can cut almost any material. No need to think that the jigsaw is designed to work only with metal or plastic products. While you might say that it makes sense to have both manual and automatic tools, you'll see why in a bit. With proper skill, you can make straight and figured cuts on chipboard, ceramics, metal, and so on. But it is worthwhile to understand that for each type of material there is a jigsaw file. For example, the BOSCH product range includes a wide variety of blades that can work with plywood, plastic, etc. Of course, each material has a different thickness, density, hardness, and other parameters, which imposes certain requirements on the quality of the blade steel.

Jigsaw blades

It is quite logical that without a file you will not be able to perform the work you need. Today, all blades for hand tools are divided into two large groups:

for woodworking;
for metal work.

Each of these groups is divided into subgroups. For example, a canvas for wood can be for quick cutting. This is one of the most common and popular files. Its peculiarity is that such a canvas can process a large amount of material at high speed. For example, with such a file it is not a problem to cut a workpiece with a diameter of 20 cm. However, this tool leaves behind a significant number of defects, so it is advisable to use it only for auxiliary work or the construction of buildings.

But files for a manual jigsaw of a clean cut allow you to get a high-quality surface. This is achieved due to the large number of small teeth, as a result of which the cut is smooth and practically free of defects. However, in this case, the maximum diameter of the workpiece should not exceed 7.5 cm. There are also files for laminate. They have a unique arrangement of teeth that do not leave any marks behind.

Blade for working with metal

It is one thing to process a material such as wood, quite another - metal. Please note that the wood blade is not suitable for cutting metal sheets. But learning to distinguish files from each other is extremely simple. The jigsaw file for metal has a blue shank, which is the main hallmark. The teeth are very fine, allowing you to work with sheets with a thickness of 6 mm.

Today, combined canvases are increasingly being sold. According to the manufacturers, they are well suited for working with wood and metal. But we can say with confidence that this is not the best solution, since the work performed is somewhat difficult and stretched over time. In any case, a jigsaw blade for metal must be made of high-quality material.

Electric, desktop and manual jigsaws

It should be understood that, despite the same purpose, the files for this tool have fundamental differences. For example, the blade for a manual jigsaw is quite thin and long, and is also attached on both sides. In a jigsaw, it is shorter and thicker, and also has a completely different installation method. If the tool is manual, then you should always have several spare files. This is due to their fragility. They break really often and at the most inopportune moment.

There are also saws for The tool itself is stationary and great for cutting wood. The canvas in this case is more similar to that used in a hand tool. However, it is less brittle, so it breaks less often. Such files are designed for workpieces with a maximum diameter of 4 cm for wood and 0.2 cm for metal products.

Jigsaw saw blade marking

Special designations on the canvas can say a lot. Firstly, this way you can find out what material the product is made of. By the way, this is very important, especially when performing responsible work. For example, if HCS is written on the body, this means that the blade is made of and is intended for cutting soft materials, in particular wood, chipboard, plastic, etc. But, for example, the inscription HSS indicates that the file Made from high speed hardened steel. It is a hard, but at the same time quite brittle material that can be used to work with both aluminum and steel of small thickness.

But the marking of BIM jigsaw files means that the blade is bimetallic. Basically, it is a combination of HCS and HSS. Such a file has improved properties, but also a high cost. The HM stamp means that such a blade can be used for especially hard materials, for example, cutting ceramic tiles etc. In principle, it is not so difficult to understand the markings, if you remember this, then choosing the appropriate canvas will be extremely simple.

Learn more about making the right choice

When buying, you should always pay attention to the blade shank. Naturally, it has only one mount, unlike a manual saw. Although today the world famous company Bosch produces with two stops. In any case, it is advisable to first read the instructions, where it will be written what is suitable for your tool. For example, the Makita company produces jigsaws with a mount that is fundamentally different from other models. At both ends there are specially sawn circles of various diameters. Naturally, you can no longer put a file with a different type of fastening on a jigsaw.

You need to understand that the canvas can have a different length. For wood cutting, this is usually 51-126 mm, for metal - up to 106 mm. The choice should be based on the thickness of the workpiece to be machined. The thicker it is, the longer the canvas should be. For example, to perform a figured cut on wood, thin jigsaw files are used. They are quite fragile, but give more opportunities to the operator.

Canvas for laminate flooring

Today, many people say that an exceptionally clean cut is needed to process a parquet board or laminate. Someone may advise using almost a diamond-coated canvas. However, the price of such a tool is very high, for a set of 5 files you will have to pay several thousand rubles. In principle, sometimes the jigsaw itself can cost so much.

So, it is not at all necessary to purchase an overly expensive tool. A blade is usually sufficient for a clean cut. Of course, there will be a chip of about 1-2 mm. However, in most cases, the laminate is closed with skirting boards that are much larger than the chip. For this simple reason, do not overpay once again. When buying jigsaw blades for laminate, pay attention to the quality of the product. Many modern canvases burn very strongly when working with wood, chipboard and laminate. Therefore, make a purchase with a small margin.

Something about the shape of the teeth

The blade tooth configuration determines the capabilities of the tool. A large number of small teeth improves the quality of the cut, but significantly reduces the speed. If there are few teeth and they are large, then such a cut will be extremely sloppy, but very fast. Conventionally, according to the shape of the teeth, the saw blade can be divided into the following groups:

Diluted (milled) - used for cutting soft materials such as wood and plastic, as well as non-ferrous metals. The wiring contributes to the fact that excessive heat does not accumulate, and sawdust is removed from the cut and the blade.
Wavy (milled) - used for clean cutting of aluminum, soft materials (wood, plastic) and non-ferrous metals. The wiring in this case is performed in groups, that is, several teeth in a row in one direction.
Tapered (ground) is a good solution for getting clean cuts in wood and plastic. The non-working edge is polished. These are typical jigsaw blades for laminate.
Ground, set teeth are one of the best solutions for rough cuts in wood, chipboard, blockboard, etc.

Web width and thickness

When choosing, it is extremely important to pay attention to the width of the file. Not only the quality, but also the speed of the work performed depends on this parameter. If the canvas is wide, then it will be not only stable, but also more durable, and will practically not deviate from the intended plane. Of course, this is also high-speed cutting, do not forget about it. At the same time, narrow files provide good maneuverability compared to wide ones. The location of the teeth on the axis of the jigsaw drive allows you to better follow the intended plane with minimal deviations.

Thickness is also not the last parameter that makes sense to pay attention to. Blades that are too thin cannot ensure the proper perpendicularity of the cut. In addition, the thicker the file, the higher its stability.

Something else

You probably know that the blade teeth must be harder than the material being processed. So, to perform work on cutting glass, ceramics, metal and stone, you will need special files. The main requirement is increased strength. It is best to use bimetallic sheets for such purposes, which are 1/3 hardened steel and 2/3 high-carbon steel. The service life of such files is quite large, so they will pay off with interest. In addition, the risk of a sudden breakdown here is much lower than in classic options. But since choosing a jigsaw file is not difficult, and you already know how to do it, you will not have problems choosing the appropriate bimetallic blade.

Conclusion

If we talk about manufacturers who have proven themselves well, then these are Bosch, Makita and Praktika. Files of these companies are famous all over the world for their high quality and excellent operational properties. If you are not afraid to spend an extra 200 rubles, then buy canvases of these brands, and you will not regret anything. Do not forget that all files have their purpose, use for other purposes is unlikely to lead to the expected results. The jigsaw is a high-speed tool, so securely fasten the blade and try to work with goggles and gloves. In principle, we examined the main types of jigsaw files. Now you know that there are canvases for wood, metal, as well as combined ones for other materials. Paying attention to the labeling of the product and the way it is attached, you will definitely make right choice.

What kind of saw blades exist and how to choose the best option for a particular case, every craftsman who has this tool in his household should know.

There are many factors influencing the choice of cutting blade: the material to be sawn, its thickness and density, the required cut quality, etc. In order not to make a mistake when buying, you should take into account the technical characteristics of the files, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of a particular model.

Cutting blade material

The first thing you need to pay attention to when choosing a file is the material from which it is made.

Each cutting blade of well-known manufacturers has its own marking. Knowing how to decipher it, you can easily determine whether the file is suitable for you for the upcoming work.

The marking indicating the material of manufacture of the canvas is as follows:

Table for the use of files.

HCS. Such files are related to wood tools. They are made of high carbon steel, which has ductility and elasticity. They can cut wood, chipboard, plywood and plastic. When choosing such a canvas, you should pay attention not to its hardness, but to its flexibility.
HSS. Hardened steel products that can be operated at high speeds. Used for processing durable materials, including metals of various densities. Despite all its rigidity, hardened steel is a rather brittle substance that must be handled with great care.
BIM. Bimetal blades, which are made from a mixture of high-carbon and hardened steel, due to which they have all the advantages of the first two types. Depending on the shape and size of the teeth, they can be used for both woodworking and metalworking.
HIM. Manufactured from high-strength alloys, due to which they are characterized by high strength and rigidity. Mainly used for cutting ceramic tiles.

The color of the file can also indicate the material of manufacture and the purpose of the file:

white (BIM) - for cutting wood and metal;
gray (HCS or BIM) - for processing wood and materials based on it;
blue (BIM or HSS) - for cutting metal;
black (HIM) - for special tasks (sawing ceramic tiles, durable steel, etc.).

Jigsaw saw blade marking

Files intended for working with wood are marked with the letters HCS.

On the tail of any cutting blade for a jigsaw there is a marking consisting of letters and numbers. The first is the letter "T" or "U", which indicates the type of fastening of the blade to the tool: T-shaped or U-shaped. It is followed by numbers indicating the length of the file:

1 - short canvas (up to 7.5 cm);
2 - standard cutting element (7.5-9.0 cm);
3 - elongated file (9-15 cm);
7 - a long file (more than 15 cm).

The longer the product, the thicker the workpiece can be cut with it.

The numbers are again followed by letters that indicate the size of the teeth:

A - the smallest teeth (perfect for cutting laminate);
B - larger teeth (used for processing wood, fiberboard, chipboard and plywood);
C and D are the largest teeth used for rough cutting.

Some manufacturers use two instead of one letter at the end (for example, T101BR). The second letter means:

O - for curly cutting;
R - with a reverse tooth (improves the quality of the cut);
F - bimetallic products (considered the most durable and reliable);
X - universal blade (they can cut both wood and metal);
P - thick files (used for corner cutting).

For example, the marking T118AF means that the selected model has a T-shaped mount and fine teeth, its length is up to 7.5 cm, the material of manufacture is bimetal.

Types of saw blades.

When choosing a cutting blade for a jigsaw, you need to know what material it will work with. This tool is able to cut not only wood and materials based on it (chipboard, fiberboard, plywood, etc.), but also plastic, slate, brick, metal and even tiles. At the same time, for each material being processed, there is its own type of saw with which the jigsaw will work with the best efficiency. There are also universal cutting blades that are equally well suited, for example, for wood and metal.

Wood saws. Depending on the purpose, such products are divided into two groups:

for fast cutting
for a clean cut.

If you are faced with the task of sawing a large amount of wood, while spending a minimum of time, then the best option would be a cutting blade with large teeth.

The larger the teeth, the faster the cut. However, as the speed of work increases, the cleanliness of the cut decreases, so here you need to choose between speed and quality.

If the speed of work is in the first place, then the best option would be a canvas marked T101D. With it, you can quickly cut wood up to 7.5 cm thick, for thicker material, you can purchase the T244D or T344D model.

For a clean cut, the T101B file is a good option. It is often used for professional purposes when assembling furniture and other jobs that require a quality cut. This product can also cut thick workpieces, but you will spend twice as much time on this than when using, for example, the T244D model.

Fabric on laminate. When laying laminate flooring, it is important that the cut is free of burrs. This can be achieved with the T101BR file, which is equipped with a reverse tooth. However, if you don’t have this model at hand, and you need to cut the laminate with something, you can get by with the usual T101B blade. Only in this case, before starting work, it is recommended to paste over the place of the intended cut with ordinary adhesive tape, which will protect the processed material from chips, burrs and other defects.

Metal saws. They have small teeth and a blue tail. If you work with metal 3 mm thick, buy a T118A file. It is also suitable for cutting plastic. For thicker material, the T123X blade is recommended, and for aluminum, the T227D blade.

Tile saws. They are marked T150RIFF or T130RIFF. Instead of teeth, their cutting part is carbide coating. You need to know that it is recommended to use a jigsaw for cutting tiles only in extreme cases, since the work will be slow and dusty. In the absence of a specialized tool for cutting tiles, it is better to use a conventional glass cutter.

Blade shape

For various tasks, a certain shape of the teeth is suitable, which differs not only in the type of sharpening, but also in the wiring method:

Milled set teeth. This blade is perfect for cutting wood. Divorce is carried out by analogy with a conventional hand saw. This allows you to slightly expand the cut, thereby preventing overheating and jamming of the tool in the thickness of the tree.
Milled teeth with wave setting. In this case, not a single, but a group wiring is performed (for example, 4-6 teeth each). These blades are used for cutting metal.
Ground teeth without setting. Ideal for fine cutting. This canvas allows High Quality cut in wood, laminate and plastic.
Grinded set teeth. Such a product is used for fast cutting, when there are no special requirements for the quality of the cut.

Jigsaw blade manufacturers

To choose the right file for an electric jigsaw, you need to pay attention not only to the technical specifications and product labeling, but also to the manufacturer. In the construction equipment market, cutting blades are presented in a wide range of European, domestic and Chinese models.

Chinese files are not of the best quality, they wear down quickly and overheat. Their only advantage is their low cost. However, it will be cheaper and easier to pick up one high-quality canvas for 300-400 rubles than to purchase a set of 20-30 Chinese products for 150-200 rubles. But, if you still need to cut, but there is no file at hand, you can sharpen the old one.

The most popular and reliable saw blades for electric jigsaws are products from Makita, Bosch and Praktika.

A few useful tricks for working with a jigsaw:

Lobzik what is it? - history reference

The popular makita jigsaw had a predecessor that was completely undeservedly forgotten. The manual jigsaw was replaced by laser cutting, electric jigsaw, milling.
A manual jigsaw can cut wood, plywood, plastic, ceramics, sheet metal. Previously, in schools, at labor lessons, children practiced cutting homemade products with a jigsaw - frames, shelves, dolls and other homemade products. There was no time for gadgets ...

Jigsaw design

A jigsaw is an arc, U-shaped (1), at the ends of which are clamping screws (4). A handle (3) is attached to the lower end of the jigsaw. Between the ends of the arc of the jigsaw, with the help of clamping screws, a file (2) is fixed, which is installed with some tension (until it rings).
A jigsaw with a wooden arc has a third screw - a tension screw, which serves to tension the file between the ends of the arcs, since a jigsaw with a wooden arc does not have sufficient elasticity to pull the file to working condition.

Jigsaw blades (a, b, c) are made of high quality carbon steel. but despite this, sawing with a jigsaw is a rather painstaking work that requires patience and attention. Slightly hurried and trine! You need to put in a new saw blade.

What can be done with a jigsaw?

The modern electric jigsaw has supplanted the manual jigsaw from many areas of activity, but if you need an accurate, curvilinear cut, an ordinary, manual jigsaw cannot be replaced.
In jewelry production, craftsmen still use a jigsaw

for sawing complex figures out of gold and silver. Cutting various shapes for handicrafts with a jigsaw from plywood and wood is a great hobby, hands are busy and nerves are like ropes.

Properly selected components make the work of any tool more convenient and enjoyable. Perhaps the most significant working element of the jigsaw is the saw blade. This consumable can turn the sawing process into an even and neat song, or vice versa, reduce the work to a crooked and gnawed nonsense. To save yourself from possible unpleasant situations and choose the canvas that is optimal for your purposes, it is useful to know their types and features. Jigsaw files, at first glance, may seem too diverse, but after reading this article, you will understand that their classification is simple and very convenient.

Deciphering the marking

To date, there are several standards for saw blades, each of which is assigned to a specific brand. Bosh files are the most popular in Europe. In second place is Makita. The third is shared by Festool, Hitachi and others. Since the marking of saw blades for the Bosch standard jigsaw is the most common, we will analyze it in more detail.

As you can see in the image above, the alphanumeric designations of the saw blade have their place and meaning. For a clearer disclosure of the overall picture, let's talk about each character in a nutshell.

Shank type can have several different variations, which must be considered by owners of jigsaws with quick-release fastening. If your tool has a shoe or screw clamp, you can install a blade with any shank into it.

saw blade length is selected based on the tasks and can exceed 150 mm. When choosing a long file, it is important to understand the power of your jigsaw, as not every tool is designed to work with thick materials. Also, a blade that is too long, when working with a relatively thin material, will vibrate strongly, which will significantly reduce the quality of the cut. The most optimal length for standard household wood jigsaws is 75 mm. This indicator is due to the fact that such models will not be able to master thicker material.

Tooth size affects the quality and speed of cutting. If you are working with decorative or facing materials, it is better to choose a file with the smallest teeth (A). So the work will be much more accurate, albeit noticeably slower. For quick and rough sawing of boards, chipboard and similar materials, it is recommended to use blades with a larger tooth (B, C, D). Determine whether to sacrifice speed or quality should be based on the tasks.

Special Options indicate the features of the saw blade and have a direct impact on the quality of certain types of work. Briefly about each parameter:

F - Bimetallic. Sufficiently flexible blade with very strong teeth, which is a symbiosis of two metals. It is used for straight and figured cutting of metal and has increased wear resistance.
O - With a narrow back. Relatively thin jigsaw blade used for shaped sawing.
P - For a precise cut. Thick blade, resistant to bending during operation. Great for precise, even angled cuts.
X - Teeth with progressive pitch. Multipurpose blades suitable for cutting wood, plastic and metal. For its versatility, they pay with the quality of the cut, which leaves much to be desired.
R - Reversible (reverse) teeth. Unlike the standard direction, upwards, the teeth of the reversible blades are directed downwards. When working with a jigsaw with a similar file, chips are formed on the opposite side.

In addition to the standard European label, which not all manufacturers adhere to, there are single designation, which can be found in the description of any saw blade.

saw blade material
Depending on the material being processed, saw blades can be made from the following steel grades:

CV - chrome vanadium steel. It is used in the production of saw blades for wood and its derivatives (plywood, fiberboard, chipboard and others).
HCS - alloy (carbon) steel. Suitable for cutting wood and plastic.
HSS - high speed steel. Used for cutting metals.
BM (Bi-Metal) - a bi-metal blade is a mixture of two steel grades (HCS and HSS), where the back of the file has an HCS alloy, and the teeth are HSS. Bi-metal blades are very strong and manoeuvrable, and can be used for straight and curved cuts in wood and metal.
HIM is an alloy based on tungsten carbide. Files made of steel of this grade are used to work with ceramics, foam blocks and similar materials.

In addition to dry technical data, the manufacturer can indicate a clear purpose of the saw blade. Often, information about the type of materials and type of work is indicated on the packaging, but there are times when these designations are written directly on the file. Below are variants of the most common verbal designations with an explanation.

For what material

Wood - Blades for plywood, chipboard, fiberboard and soft woods.
Hardwood - Blades for sawing dense woods and laminates.
Metal - For working with ferrous metals.
Alu - For cutting aluminium.
Inox - For stainless steel.
Fiber&Plaster - For cutting polymer products.
Soft-material - A versatile blade for working with metals, plastics and wood.

Working purpose

Basic - A file with an average cut quality. The best option for everyday use at home.
Clean - A blade for making a clean cut.
Speed - For rough but fast cuts.
Flexible - Flexible saw blade for working with metal.

Types of jigsaw files

The variety of saw blades today is beyond the comprehension of the average user. Jigsaw saws are divided according to dimensions, tooth pitch, types of cutting edges and other parameters that are completely alien and uninteresting to most buyers. At the same time, everyone wants to work with an optimally tuned tool and get the result of proper quality. To briefly and clearly explain to you how to choose a jigsaw file, we have divided them into the most popular materials.

Jigsaw blades for wood

Sawing of wood and its derivatives is carried out with blades of steel grades CV, HCS and BM. The size of the teeth depends on the type of material being processed and the requirements for the quality of the cutting line:

A and B are blades with the smallest teeth. Used for clean cutting of laminate.
C - medium teeth with the corresponding cut quality. Popular for working with chipboard, fiberboard, plywood and wood.
D- maximum length tooth. Used to be fast but rough cutting chipboard and tree.
For straight cutting decorative materials(coated board or laminate), a T101BR file (medium reversible teeth) will do.

Timber or thick wood is best sawed with a T344C blade (long with large teeth). The size of the file should be selected based on the thickness of the material being cut.

The main qualities that a chipboard file for a jigsaw should have is a small length (up to 75 cm), class A or B teeth with an average pitch of 2-3 mm.

Figured sawing is best done with a dense type T101BO (with medium-sized teeth and a thin back).

Jigsaw blades for metal

Cutting metal with an electric jigsaw occurs using files from the following steel grades: HSS and BM. Such cutting elements are characterized by a small tooth with a wave-like dilution (as on a hacksaw). Bimetal types of jigsaw blades (BM) have larger teeth that decrease towards the base.

For cutting sheet metal, 1-3 mm thick, a T118A file, up to 75 cm long, with a fine tooth, is suitable.

Thicker metal, up to 6 mm, is best sawed with an instance of T118B, the same length (up to 75 cm), but with larger teeth.

Pipes or metal profiles, 1-3 mm thick, are conveniently sawn with blades of the T318A type (90-150 mm, with a fine tooth).

To work with very thin sheets (from 0.5 to 1.5), a jigsaw file for metal, brand T118G (up to 75 cm, with a microscopic tooth), is suitable.

Files for plastic

To work with a jigsaw with PVC products, blades from the following steel grades are used: CV, HCS, HSS and BM. Here, special files for plastic (Fiber & Plaster), and ordinary ones, for wood or metal, are suitable. When working with this material, it is better to give preference to large teeth (B, C, D). If only fine-toothed files are available, it is recommended to set the tool to the minimum stroke speed, since heated plastic filings can seriously clog the cutting part.

It is better to cut thick plastic with a bi-metal blade T101BF (up to 75 cm, medium-sized tooth). The speed in this case should be below average.

Plexiglas and plastic sheets can be cut quite confidently with a fine-toothed metal file T101A.

Ceramic jigsaw blade

The fragile structure of ceramics differs significantly from flexible metal and fibrous wood. To cut such material, special blades are required, which differ from the usual ones in the absence of teeth, in place of which, a tungsten carbide or diamond coating is applied. Jigsaw blade for tiles, made of carbide material, with the designation “HM”.

In most cases, the specimens presented in stores are made of tungsten carbide alloy and can only cope with wall tiles. There are stronger, diamond jigsaw blades for stone that can cut floor tiles.
When working with an electric jigsaw with ceramics, it should be understood that this tool is not intended for such material. This device is best used for figured cuts, and for straight lines - a tile cutter or a grinder.

For cardboard

Jigsaw blades for cardboard, rubber, foam and other soft materials, has a wavy cutting part, without any teeth. When working, the file does not crumble or tear the material, but smoothly and accurately divides it into even parts.

Great for cutting carpet and much cheaper than professional scissors.

The best jigsaw files

A variety of various brands allows us to make the best choice for the budget, the choice of saw blade. Among the products offered you can find consumables different quality. If you talk about which jigsaw files are better, you can select several manufacturers: Bosh, Makita and Matabo.

The most common, with a quality that exceeds the price, are the original paintings of the Bosh brand, of any classification. Jigsaw blades of this brand have perfect performance and are very easy to use. Unfortunately, among the offers, there are often fakes. Low quality creating a false impression of the company. Fortunately, there are several proven ways to distinguish a fake jigsaw file from the original.

Counterfeiting is made by stamping from a large sheet of metal, as a result of which one of the sides of the saw blade has slightly rounded edges. Bosch original saw blades are perfectly sharpened on all sides.
Poor quality metal with corrosion and defects indicates a defective product.
The inscriptions and emblems on the file must be clear, without blurry contours. If the print on the file is lopsided and blurred, then you have a fake in front of you.

Learn about distinctive features fake saw blades in more detail, you can from the video below.

Save this page to your social media. network and return to it at a convenient time.

It largely determines the accuracy and productivity of cutting material. The technical characteristics of saw blades discussed in the article and the key differences between them will help you choose the right blade for various types of work.

A file for a specific job is chosen in two ways: firstly, they are guided by the inscriptions, and secondly, they look at the size, teeth and wiring.

We read the marking

There is no single standard for alphanumeric marking of jigsaw blades, but most manufacturers adhere to the European classification from Bosch or indicate it in addition to their own designations.

Deciphering the marking

Files are made from various grades of steel that affect the purpose of the blades and are designated by logos:

CV (HCS) is an elastic alloyed alloy for cutting wood, synthetic and wood-composite products.
HSS is a tough high speed steel for hard materials.
BM (Bi-Metal) is a connection of the first two steel grades that can withstand significant loads and is suitable for many operations.
HM is a carbide grade for cutting tiles and building blocks.

Marks also speak about the purpose of the canvas:

Wood - soft lumber, fiber boards.
hardwood- solid wood, laminated panels.
Inox is stainless steel.
Alu is aluminium.
Metal - tin, profile and pipes.
Plaster, fiber - fiberglass.
Soft-material - rubber, polystyrene, carpets.
Acrylic - plexiglass, polycarbonate.

Sometimes there is an inscription on the file that specifies the type of work:

basic - standard blade for a quality cut;
speed - file with set teeth for fast cutting;
clean - blade without wiring for a clean cut;
progressor - a file with different teeth for cutting various materials;
flexible - flexible blade for metal cutting;
special - for cutting ceramics, plastic and other special work.

We cut wood materials

Cutting wood and everything that is made from it is the main purpose of the jigsaw. Therefore, a larger range of saw blades is produced specifically for wood and is subdivided according to the type of work.

Fast cut

Certain woodworking jobs do not require special care, such as sawing timber for battens or removing an old window frame. Here, the speed provided by blades for fast cutting with characteristic features is more important:

Large teeth - up to 6 mm.
A fair divorce - about 1 mm.
Long canvas - from 60 mm.
Width - up to 10 mm.

For thick workpieces, similar canvases with large cutters are used, but without wiring - they move less from the vertical. In principle, the thicker the file, the better it holds perpendicularity.

Advice. For cutting along the fibers, a blade with an oblique tooth is better, and with a straight one - for a transverse cut.

Clean cut

An operation such as cutting a furniture board or a parquet board requires a smooth and precise cut. Similar tasks are performed with less productivity, but better, using blades for clean cuts that have:

Teeth less than 3 mm.
Minor divorce.

Most of the files cut in retraction, so the material is placed on the reverse side. To mark and cut from the face, you need a blade with a reverse tooth. It is not very convenient to work with them - in addition to maintaining the direction of the cut, you have to overcome the ejection force of the tool.

Advice. Cutting panels laminated on both sides almost without chips allows a specialized file with two rows of teeth.

Shaped cut

It is problematic to cut small radii with a wide canvas. Files for figured cuts have a beveled back side, which facilitates turning, roundings without chipping, and differ in appearance:

Small (up to 2 mm) tooth.
Narrow working part - up to 4 mm.
Short length - up to 40 mm.

We cut polymeric materials

PVC pipes and window sills are sawn in blades on wood or metal with a large tooth. Fine-toothed saws are also suitable, but you will have to cut at minimum speed, otherwise the sawdust will soften and clog the blade - you will no longer be sawing, but cutting with heated metal.

For thin plastics and plexiglass, a metal file with small teeth is suitable. For a thick one, you can take a canvas on wood, turn off the pendulum mechanism and cut at low speeds. Figured sawing of polymer sheets is carried out with a narrow file for wood.

We work with metal

For cutting galvanized profiles and tin products, saws with wave wiring are used, similar in profile to hand saw blades. They differ in small (up to 1 mm) teeth, rejected not through one, but in groups of 3-5 pieces.

With constant work, three canvases are taken: for steel, aluminum and for non-ferrous alloys. If you have to cut metal infrequently, then one file for steel is enough, which is also suitable for ebonite and textolite.

In general, a jigsaw is not very suitable for sawing metal: the tool is heavily loaded, and the process is slow. Rather, this is an extreme method, justified only occasionally, for example, when cutting sandwich panels with bimetallic files with small cutters along the edges and large ones in the middle.

Blades for specific tasks

Drywall and materials containing cement will quickly seat any file, with the exception of specially designed carbide-tipped blades, which also cut thermal insulation well.

A hole in the tile is cut out with a carbide-coated ceramic file without teeth. It is also suitable for working with glass fiber reinforced polymers.

The cutting part of the blades for cardboard, rubber and other soft materials is not made with teeth, but with polished waves or simply looks like a knife.

For sawing combined materials, special files are designed, one half of the blade of which is equipped with small teeth, and the other with large ones.

Advice. The length of the file is chosen, focusing on the thickness of the material. So that the blade does not break out and does not break, its end must come out of the cut line in any position of the jigsaw pendulum.

For household needs, a set of 5-10 files for various purposes is enough. Just starting to use a jigsaw, they acquire an inexpensive kit, master the intricacies of working with different types of canvases and, based on their own experience, select the necessary files. Still, there are no strict recommendations, often one canvas copes well with tasks that are atypical for it. Here you can experiment, but first think.

There are times when you need to cut something metal, and there is only a jigsaw at hand from a power tool. It's not the best option, but it's not the worst either. The jigsaw is quite suitable for sawing metal.

But if you have only had experience with wood up to this point, you need to understand a very important thing: wood and metal are different materials in their structure. This means that the approach to the choice of tools and the cutting process itself is significantly different.

How to cut metal with a jigsaw

Some power tool manufacturers do not recommend working with metal parts if their thickness exceeds 5 mm. But there are also those that allow you to work with parts up to 10 mm thick. Everything depends on reliability and quality. specific model. In particular, on the quality of the pendulum assembly.

Before proceeding with the sawing work itself, you need to carry out some preparation and set up the tool. To properly adjust the jigsaw, the step of the pendulum when cutting must be reduced to the first position or removed altogether. So to speak, to remove the beating of the pendulum. This is done in order to reduce wear on the jigsaw units and avoid blunting the cutting surface of the saw.

It is not necessary to press hard on the jigsaw. You still won’t be able to cut faster, and the risk of damaging the tool increases. The speed of the jigsaw should also not be high. At high speed, you can get overheating of the cutting element, and this will lead to a decrease in the sharpness and hardness of the saw. Keep in mind that one file may not be enough for the whole job. Especially if you don't have enough experience. Always keep one or two spare parts in stock.

The main types of metal files for electric jigsaws

Now let's move on to cutting tools. The fact that this blade is intended for working with metal will tell you the inscription on the file itself or on the packaging. Such products are marked with the inscriptions: "For Metal" or "For Metal", depending on the manufacturer.

By marking, you can find out about the material from which the file is made. The most common steel is HSS. From the manufacturer's description it follows that this is a high speed steel.

BIM markings are found on some products. This is the designation of Bimetal, the hard cutting edge and the softness of the body of the blade. Two materials of different density are joined by welding. The soft body of the blade prevents the brittle steel on the teeth from breaking.

The cutting tool is different in shape. The most popular products with a fine milled wavy tooth. They give an even cut, with a slight twist if necessary. But such blades cut material with a thickness of 1-3 mm.

To cut parts with a greater thickness, there are special files with a divorced "tooth" and a modified geometry. The so-called "progressive step", in which the teeth increase from the jigsaw to the edge of the blade. Similar Models can cut parts up to 10 mm thick.

A saw with a set tooth can process non-ferrous metals (such as aluminum, copper, brass) and hard wood. They can cut a metal profile (pipe or square), if the diameter does not exceed 30 mm, and the wall thickness is 1.2 mm.

The conclusion is obvious: you can cut metal with a jigsaw. But it is necessary to approach this process competently. Remove the beating of the pendulum, lubricate and not overheat the cutting surface, use the correct blades for various materials.

Don't be discouraged if it doesn't work the first time. A little patience and attention - and you will succeed!

The electric jigsaw is a regular practical application each woodworker, and the development and improvement of technology has expanded the scope of its practical use. Now the device can be successfully used when working with other materials, the only thing to consider is the correct choice of saw blade. Jigsaw files are classified according to several of the most significant features, which allows you to initially select the right nozzle, depending on the features and type of cutting. Let's try to figure out how to choose the right file for your jigsaw, and what types of it are.

The requirements for the tool are currently very high. Both productivity, and speed of work, and accuracy of cut, and its evenness are important. AT general view all options for classifying blades suitable for a jigsaw can be combined into several groups according to the following criteria:

shank type;
material used in the processing;
options for the shape of the teeth of the file;
canvas width;
tooth pitch;
web thickness.

Types of files

Shank type

T-shaped variant. This shank is called "Boshevsky", since it was Bosch who came up with the idea of \u200b\u200bcreating it. Focusing on the leader in this field, other manufacturers began to produce jigsaws with the same shanks, so they are now ubiquitous.

U-shaped shank. The next most used is the American version, which is suitable for older types of jigsaws. Also compatible with models with screw and shoe terminals.

ShanksMakitaandBosch. Rare representatives of their kind, suitable only for jigsaws of the same manufacturer, and the old model.

By material

Perhaps this is the main classification feature that most accurately separates all the options for electric jigsaw files and allows you to describe in detail their types and features of operation.

For metal. Such saw blades are most often made of special high-speed steel, the cutting segments themselves are small and depend on the degree of hardness of the metal - the harder it is, the finer the tooth. In general, to tell the truth, a jigsaw is not very suitable for metal - the cutting process usually becomes lengthy. The selected saw blade option can be suitable for either aluminum, or steel, or non-ferrous metals.

By wood. It was wood from the moment the jigsaw was created that was the only material option in the field of its application, and until now it is it that is its classic purpose. These blades are made from chrome vanadium or high carbon steel. At the same time, for rough sawing, where not so much accuracy and accuracy are important as speed, wide blades and large teeth are used.

For clean processing of panels made of chipboard and fiberboard, accuracy is needed rather than increased productivity, so the file for this purpose has teeth up to 3 mm and a small divorce.

There are also special options with double row of teeth, allowing you to make the cut of laminated panels as accurately as possible. For curly processing, narrow blade options with fine teeth and a slightly beveled back are used.

For laminate. The peculiarity of such a blade is the presence of the so-called reverse teeth, which prevent the occurrence of chips on the front part during sawing. This blade has a small tooth.

For ceramic tiles. Such models are equipped with a carbide coating on the edges. Such a nozzle is convenient to cut and even figuredly cut. However, it should be noted that with an electric jigsaw it will be possible to cut only wall tiles; for floor tiles, a grinder or a tile cutter is needed.

Universal. They cope equally well with wood and metal due to the fact that on one side of the saw the teeth are small, and on the other - large. Such a blade is not suitable for curly processing and absolutely flawless cutting.

Special. Subdivided into groups of products intended for different materials. For ceramic tiles, as previously described, options from the most durable alloys with a special coating are suitable. When choosing a jigsaw for such purposes, please note that the expediency of using it is present only in cases of necessary curly cutting; for straight edges, there are other, more adapted options.

If the material contains abrasive particles, as is the case with gypsum or cement, the files become dull very quickly. You should choose special blades, on the cutting part of which hard alloy soldering is located.

For soft "shapes" such as cardboard or rubber, choose "toothless" saws, which are more like knives. The edge cut is performed by a wave with grinding.

Tooth shape

With set milled. In such variants of saw blades, the teeth are bent in different directions in turn. In this case, the width of the wiring is considered normal equal to 1.5th of the thickness of the web itself. Thanks to the wiring, strong heating does not occur, and sawdust is removed simply and easily. Used for fast cutting of not too hard wood, as well as plastic structures and non-ferrous metals.

With wavy milled. The setting is carried out by groups of teeth that deviate alternately to the left and right. The magnitude of the deviation of each subsequent one differs from the angle of inclination of the previous one, thus a wave is formed. Such saws are used for clean cutting of plastic and aluminum products and non-ferrous metal materials.

with ground teeth, conical grinding. It is used exclusively for fine cuts in the processing of wood and plastic, as well as laminate and polymer materials.

With divorced polished. Used for fast, rough cuts in soft woods, chipboard boards and DVP.

According to the width of the canvas

This sawing parameter is selected taking into account the specific requirements for specific work results. Wide blades are more stable, so nothing gets in the way of sawing at high speed without fear of deflection. If you need to cut a curve with high quality, then narrower options are suitable, with their help you can easily overcome turns. At the same time, it is necessary that the teeth themselves be located directly on the axis of the drive - this gives the tool controllability.

By tooth pitch

The step is the length of the trajectory between the vertices. In most countries, such a pitch designation as TPI from the English "teeth per inch", measured by the number of teeth per 1 inch, is adopted. That is, if, for example, the TPI value is 5, then this means that there are 5 teeth in one inch of the blade.

If the wood needs to be sawn crosswise, then it is advisable to use saws with a TPI of 7-4, for normal work 9-7 is enough, if you need extremely accurate and accurate sawing - 13-10. It is also necessary to take into account starting material thickness, 6-8 teeth should be involved in the work, otherwise the blade will begin to vibrate, and the saw cut will turn out to be torn.

By web thickness

The thickness of the file determines how much it will deviate from vertical installation. From this point of view, thick saw blades are the best way to ensure a straight, perpendicular cut. However, they will almost certainly not fit jigsaws that have a quick-release version of the mechanism.

Marking jigsaw files is especially useful for those who are not yet experienced enough in carpentry and cannot indicate the purpose of the nozzle, focusing on its appearance.

Most manufacturers tend to label their products according to the system invented by Bosch.

So, the marking is affixed on the tail and contains a combination of letters and numbers.

The first letter in the combination indicates the type of shank:

T-shaped,
U-shaped,
M - for Makita jigsaws,
fine standard.

1 - the shortest length, does not exceed 75 mm,
2 - average 75-90,
3 - long 90-150,
7 - the longest files with a length of over 150 mm.

The next letter indicates the size of the teeth:

A - fine teeth,
B - average,
C or D - large.

The last letter indicates some additional important information:

F - working part made of a particularly strong bimetallic alloy,
P - precise cut,
O - narrow back,
X - progressive tooth pitch,
R - reverse (reverse) direction of the teeth.

The color of the shank can also say a lot. Gray indicates the purpose of the file for wood materials, blue for metal, and red for plastic structures.

The type of steel underlying the fabric during production is affixed with a special combination of letters on the neck:

HM - hard alloys,
CV - chrome vanadium steel,
HSS - high speed steel,
HCS (CV) - high carbon steel,
BM (BiM) is a combination of CV and HSS, very strong and durable.

Often affixed to the file letter designations directly reflecting the essence of its purpose. For those who are at least a little familiar with the English language, deciphering these letter combinations will not be difficult.

"Wood" refers to working with soft wood and other soft materials.
"Hardwood" - solid wood, PVC panels.
"Inox" - works with stainless steel.
"Metal" - metal.
Alu is aluminium.
Fiber, Plaster - fiberglass.
Soft-material - rubber, carpet.
Acrylic - polycarbonate.

Conclusion

Now you are familiar with the main types of canvases, and you can easily answer the question of how to choose the right file for your jigsaw. Given the specifics of the device of each product, you can choose a truly suitable option a file that will last a long time and will not spoil your original idea. For those who practice carpentry often, it makes sense to acquire a variety of file options and use them strictly for their intended purpose. If you take out a jigsaw a couple of times a year, then it is better to have universal models on hand for urgent and rough work, and neat and curly cutting entrust to professionals. Happy shopping to you!